Mobile performance stage

ABSTRACT

A mobile performance stage is configurable between a compact transport condition to a performance condition with expanding deck wings and expanding canopy wings. The deck wings are carried directly on top of the main trailer deck and roll on tracks to deploy to the performance condition. The roof canopy includes a main roof element and two foldable roof wings. The roof wings pivot from fully open to a fully closed stowed condition below the main roof element to reduce the height of the stage when transported. Lift columns are hinged to reduce height. The roof wings may also be stored in a vertical position to provide side walls for a cargo trailer configuration. The roof may also be completely removed to form a deck only stage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisionalapplication No. 62/872,435, filed Jul. 10, 2019, the contents of whichare herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to performance stages, and moreparticularly to mobile performance stages.

Current mobile stages are very tall as a trailer. Tall trailers having ahigh profile reduce fuel economy, can hit overhead obstructions, and canblow over on the road in gusty conditions. They can only be movedindoors through full commercial overhead doors, and they cannot bestored in buildings with low overhead doors. The roof systems are heavy,often with fiberglass panels. Hydraulic systems and large steel framesare needed to lift the roof. The heavy stage systems and high profilemean they must be towed by large trucks. The deck wings are usuallyhinge mounted to the main frame. The deck wings and/or the roof wingsare normally stored in a vertical position which increases the height asa trailer.

In addition, because current mobile stage roof systems cannot be removedfrom the trailer system, it cannot be set up as a deck only stage, andit cannot be used as a deck-over trailer.

Conventional mobile stages can be used as stage or a trailer. Thisinvention converts to multiple configurations. As a stage this inventioncan be used as a standard mobile stage or a deck only stage. As atrailer this invention can be used as a low profile trailer, or anenclosed cargo trailer, or a deck-over trailer.

As can be seen, there is a need for an improved mobile stage apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a mobile performance stage isdisclosed. The mobile performance stage includes a performance decksupported by a frame that is carried by a plurality of ground transportwheels. A plurality of deck wing extensions are selectively configurablebetween a stowed condition, supported atop the performance deck, and adeployed condition, extending from a lateral side of the performancedeck. A roof canopy has a main roof element that is dimensioned to coverthe performance deck. A plurality of roof wings are selectivelyextensible from the main roof element between the stowed condition,nested subjacent to the main roof element, and a deployed condition,extending from the main roof element and covering the plurality of deckwing extensions. A plurality of hinged upright frame members are coupledto the frame. A sleeve coupling between the main roof element and theplurality of hinged upright frame members are configured to selectivelyelevate and lower the roof canopy.

In some embodiments, a roof wing support is coupled to each of a firstend and a second end of the main roof element. The roof wing support isselectively extensible between the stowed condition and an extendedposition. In the extended position, the roof wing support retains theplurality of roof wings in the deployed condition.

In some embodiments, a multi-bar is removably coupled to the pluralityof hinged upright frame members. A ball and a socket coupling may beprovided between the sleeve and a proximal end of the multi-bar. A pinmay be provided at a distal end of the multi-bar 32 configured to engagewith an opening at a lateral edge of the plurality of roof wings.

In some embodiments, a ground wheel and a caster are removably coupledto a distal end of multi-bar. The multi-bar may then be removablyattached to the main roof element to support the roof canopy in adetached condition from the mobile performance stage.

In some embodiments, a plurality of roller track bars are removablycoupled to and extending laterally from a side edge of the frame. A wingsupport leg is disposed at a distal end of each of the plurality ofroller track bars. The wing support leg is vertically adjustable toaccommodate for a variation in a ground surface on which the mobileperformance stage is deployed.

In some embodiments a multi-bar is removably coupled between the mainroof element and the frame to support the plurality of roof wings in avertical orientation to form a sidewall of a cargo trailerconfiguration.

In other embodiments, a cable coupled to the sleeve and a winch isconfigured and operatively attached to the cable to selectively elevateand lower the main roof element.

In other aspects of the invention, the mobile performance stage includesa performance deck supported by a frame carried by a plurality of groundtransport wheels. A plurality of deck wing extensions are selectivelyconfigurable between a stowed condition, supported atop the performancedeck, and a deployed condition, extending from a lateral side of theperformance deck. A roof canopy has a main roof element dimensioned tocover the performance deck and a plurality of roof wings pivotallycoupled to the main roof element. The plurality of roof wings areselectively positioned between the stowed condition, nested subjacent tothe main roof element, a deployed condition, extending from the mainroof element and covering the plurality of deck wing extensions, and acargo trailer condition extending between the main roof element and theframe to define a sidewall of a cargo trailer.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdrawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view (in direction of travel) of the mobileperformance stage in the low profile condition.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the mobile performance stage withthe deck wing support tracks extended and supported by adjustable legs.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the mobile performance stage withthe deck wings fully extended.

FIG. 4 is a partial view showing the multi bar and sliding coupling.

FIG. 5 is a view of the multi bar lifting one of the support columns.

FIG. 6 is a view of the lever motion of the multi bar to lift thesupport column.

FIG. 7 is a view of the mobile performance stage with all supportcolumns raised, and the roof partially raised.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view with the roof fully raised. The roofextension wings are partially deployed. The telescoping roof wingsupports are shown ready for the roof wings to be attached.

FIG. 9 is a front elevation of the stage fully set up. The multi barsare in position as support arms between the roof wing and the slidingball coupling. The heavy fly brackets with support cables between themare shown.

FIG. 10 is a detail view of the connection between the roof wing and theheavy fly bracket and the multi bar.

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the deck only configuration.

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of the mobile performance stage in thecargo trailer mode. The multi bars are the support posts.

FIG. 13 is a detail of the clevis used to support the roof wing on theend of the multi bar.

FIG. 14 is a detail of the clevis in the reversed position to accept thewheel.

FIG. 15 is a front elevation of the roof with the roof wings stored,being supported by the multi bars. The trailer and deck are removed tobe used for the deck stage mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplatedmodes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. Thedescription is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merelyfor the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.

Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provide a system methodand apparatus for providing a mobile performance stage. In The mobileperformance stage is configurable from a collapsed and condensedtransport configuration to an elevated and extended performance stageconfiguration. The mobile performance stage is also configurable in acargo transport configuration in which additional equipment may becarried by the trailer within an enclosed spaced.

The mobile performance stage converts to a trailer with all of the stagecomponents; deck wings 12, 14, roof wings 24, 26, main roof 22, andframe stored horizontally directly on top of the main trailer 10 andbelow the main roof 22, i.e. in a sandwiched, nested configuration. Inthe transport configuration, Shown in FIG. 1, the towing height of thetrailer is reduced from more than 10 or more feet of a typical mobilestage to less than 7 feet. The mobile performance stage of the presentinvention provides significant height and weight reduction overalternative mobile performance stages.

The mobile performance stage includes a trailer mounted performance deck10 that is supported by a trailer frame and a plurality of groundtransport wheels. A first platform wing 12 and a second platform wing 14are selectively extensible between a stowed condition, resting atop theperformance deck 10 and an extended position to provide an elevatedperformance stage. A plurality of roller track bars 34 are coupled toand extend laterally from a side edge of the trailer frame. A distal endof the roller track bars 34 is supported by a deck wing support leg 28that is vertically adjustable to accommodate for variations in a groundsurface on which the mobile performance stage is established.

With the roller track bars 34 positioned as shown in reference to FIG.2, the first platform wing 12 and the second platform wing 14 areslidable over the performance deck 10 and supported by the roller trackbars 34 such that an upper surface of the performance deck 10 and thefirst platform wing 12 and the second platform wing 14 are deployed in acommon plane, as seen in reference to FIG. 3. The first platform wing 12and the second platform wing 14 may be carried by rollers 35 tofacilitate repositioning between the stowed and the deployed conditions.

A column support sleeve 15 is coupled to the frame and disposed atcorners of the performance deck 10 and is adapted to receive a lowerhinged column support 16. As seen in the detail view of FIG. 4, alocking pin hole 17 is defined in the lower column support 16. The lowerhinged column support 16 is coupled to the column support sleeve 15 at apivot 18. The locking pin hole 17 in the lower hinged column support 16and the upright frame members 20 are configured to receive a locking pin19 to retain the lower hinged column support 16 and the upright framemembers 20 in a vertical orientation.

A multi-bar 32 is pivotally coupled to the upright frame members 20. Aball 37 extends from a sleeve 36. A socket 39 at a proximal end of amulti-bar 32 connects the multi-bar 32 to the sleeve 36. The multi-bar32 solves several problems of mobile stages. The multi-bars 32 may beused as pry-bars to raise and elevate the upright frame members 20 intoplace, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The multi-bars 32 are also used assupport braces under the left and the right roof wing extensions 24, 26,as seen in reference to FIG. 9. The multi-bars 32 may also be used asground legs to support the main roof 22 when removed from the trailer,as seen in FIG. 15. The multi-bars 32 are also utilized as a mediumheight support column for configuring the mobile performance stage inthe cargo trailer mode, shown in FIG. 12. The sliding sleeves 36 andball 37 couplers are used to convert the plane of motion according tothe position of the upright frame members 20 to either lift the uprightframe members 20 or to elevate and support the roof element 22.

The main roof element 22 is secured to the upright frame members 20 bythe sleeves 36 and the ball 37 coupling. A roof wing support 30 iscoupled to each of a first end and a second end of the main roof element22. The roof wing support 30 may be telescopically adjusted, such thatin a stowed condition the roof wing support 30 has a width correspondingto the main roof element 22. When deployed, the roof wing support 30retains the first roof wing 24 and the second roof wing 26 in anelevated condition. The roof wing support 30 is adjustable to vary apitch of one or more of the first roof wing 24 or the second roof wing26 relative to the main roof element 22.

The roof canopy of the mobile performance stage includes a one-piecemain roof 22 element, a first roof wing 24, and a second roof wing 26. Ahinge assembly 27 couples the first roof wing 24 and the second roofwing 26 to the main roof 22 element. The roof canopy is supported by aplurality of upright frame members 20 removably coupled to the trailerframe and can be easily removed when desired.

The roof canopy is raised partly, so the left and the right roof wings24, 26 can be released from the stored position below the main roofelement 22 and swung 180 degrees to a fully open condition via straps45, where the left and the right roof wings 24, 26 are held in place bythe multi-bar 32 roof extension 30. Once the deck and roof extensionwings are fully opened, the entire roof canopy is hoisted using a cable54 and a winch 52 to lift the roof canopy on the upright frame members20, as seen in reference to FIGS. 7-9.

When the main roof element 22 is removed, such as shown in reference toFIG. 11, the trailer and extensible deck wings 12, 14 (now approximately36″ tall) can be moved into place and used where a performance stage isnormally used. The main roof element 22, the first roof wing 24 and thesecond roof wing 26 may be temporarily stored on site by attachment of aground support wheel 43 and caster 44 to the multi-bar 32 and couplingthe multi-bar 32 with the roof wing supports 30, such as shown inreference to FIG. 15. An example of this is inside a large tent wherethe roof of the tent may be too low for a conventional stage with theroof canopy installed. The versatility of the multi-bar 32 is providedby removably and reversibly coupling the caster 44 and a clevis 42 withthe multi-bar 32, via a retaining pin 46 received through the multi-bar32 and an axle pin 48 received through the caster 44 and wheel 43, asshown in reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

To return from a stage to a trailer the process is mostly reversed,except the deck wings 12, 14 are lifted up and rolled back onto theperformance deck 10. A deck recovery system is used. The roof is loweredso the deck extensions can be attached via a linkage. When the roof ispartly lifted, the deck wings 12, 14 can be lifted, whereby they can bepushed back into place on top of the performance deck 10 of the maintrailer using their rollers.

Beginning with the trailer leveled, the mobile performance stage may beassembled according to the following steps:

1. Roll deck extension wings 12, 14 horizontally into position on theroller track bars 34, supported with the deck wing support legs 28 inplace. The first platform wing 12 and the second platform wing 14 droponto pockets along the edge of the performance deck 10 of the maintrailer frame. This creates a wide and flat mobile performance stagedeck.

2. Lift lower hinged column support 16, 20 to a vertical position ateach of the four corners of the trailer.

3. Connect the lift cable 41 from the post to the roof canopy (4corners).

4. Partly raise the roof canopy and disconnect the first roof wing 24and the second roof wing 26 from their stored position. Rotate the firstroof wing 24 and the second roof wing 26 180 degrees outward then secureto the roof wing support 30 in the extended position (above the deckwing from previous step).

5. Install any accessories (stage lights/banners/speakers), which may bemounted and carried on a fly bracket 40. The fly bracket 40 carries acable 41 which is coupled and tensioned with an eyebolt 50. When the flybracket 40 is installed, the clevis 42 at the end of multi-bar 32couples with a mounting lug 51 extending from the fly bracket 40.

6. Raise the roof canopy to full stage height.

7. Secure as needed.

8. If the mobile performance stage is to be used as a deck only stage,ground standing frames, provided by the multi-bar 32, wheel 43 andcasters 44 are used to lift the entire roof canopy off of the stage.Then the main trailer with deck wings can be moved and set up at adifferent location.

If cargo (musical gear for instance) needs to be hauled, the lowerhinged column supports 16 are removed and replaced by the multi-bars 32.The roof canopy is then partly lowered, and the roof extension wings 24,26 are stored vertically to form the sidewalls of the cargo trailer.

In some embodiments, the invention could also include powered hydraulicsystems that are used to raise the roof canopy and move the deck wings12, 14 for set up. However, the complexity of hydraulic systems, andassociated frame work are not needed due to the light weightconstruction and simple mechanical motions.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the width of this stagewill double the width of a trailer. For example, an 8′ wide performancedeck 10 carried by the trailer becomes a 16′ wide stage. Alternatedesigns will be able to make the stage up to 3 times the trailer widthto become a 24′ wide stage. The main trailer frame may be formed ofwelded steel or aluminum frame members. Placement of water tanks withinthe frame can be used as a drainable ballast.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates toexemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as setforth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile performance stage configurable as a low profile trailer for transport of the mobile performance stage, comprising: a performance deck supported by a frame carried by a plurality of ground transport wheels; a plurality of deck wing extensions selectively configurable between a stowed condition, stored horizontally for trailer profile reduction, atop the performance deck, and a deployed condition, extending from a lateral side of the performance deck; a roof canopy having a main roof element dimensioned to cover the performance deck, and a plurality of roof wings selectively extensible from the main roof element between the stowed condition, nested subjacent to the main roof element, for a trailer profile reduction, and the deployed condition, extending from the main roof element and covering the plurality of deck wing extensions; a plurality of upright frame members coupled to the frame to support the roof canopy in the deployed condition, and collapse to align with a top surface of the main roof element in the stowed condition; and a cable and winch lift system configured to elevate and lower the roof canopy.
 2. The mobile performance stage of claim 1, further comprising: a roof wing support coupled to each of a first end and a second end of the main roof element, the roof wing support selectively extensible between the stowed condition and an extended position, wherein in the extended position, the roof wing support retains the plurality of roof wings in the deployed condition.
 3. The mobile performance stage of claim 1, further comprising: a multi-bar removably coupled to the plurality of upright frame members.
 4. The mobile performance stage of claim 3, further comprising: a ball and a socket coupling between a sleeve attached to the roof canopy and a proximal end of the multi-bar.
 5. The mobile performance stage of claim 3, further comprising a pin at a distal end of the multi-bar configured to engage with an opening at a lateral edge of the plurality of roof wings.
 6. The mobile performance stage of claim 3, further comprising: a ground wheel and a caster removably coupled to a distal end of multi-bar, and the multi-bar is removably attached to the main roof element to carry the roof canopy in a detached condition from the mobile performance stage.
 7. The mobile performance stage of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of roller track bars removably coupled to and extending laterally from a side edge of the frame; and a wing support leg disposed at a distal end of each of the plurality of roller track bars, the wing support leg vertically adjustable to accommodate for a variation in a ground surface on which the mobile performance stage is deployed.
 8. The mobile performance stage of claim 1, further comprising: a multi-bar removably coupled between the main roof element and the frame to support the plurality of roof wings in a vertical orientation to form a sidewall of a cargo trailer configuration.
 9. The mobile performance stage of claim 1, further comprising: a sleeve attached to the roof canopy, wherein the plurality of upright frame members are slidably carried in the sleeve; the cable coupled to the sleeve; and the winch configured operatively attached to the cable to selectively elevate and lower the main roof element along the plurality of upright frame members.
 10. A mobile performance stage, comprising: a performance deck supported by a frame carried by a plurality of ground transport wheels; a plurality of deck wing extensions selectively configurable between a low profile stowed condition, supported atop the performance deck, and a deployed condition, extending from a lateral side of the performance deck; a roof canopy having a main roof element dimensioned to cover the performance deck; and a plurality of roof wings pivotally coupled to the main roof element, the plurality of roof wings selectively positioned between the low profile stowed condition, nested subjacent to the main roof element, the deployed condition, extending from the main roof element and covering the plurality of deck wing extensions, and a cargo trailer condition extending vertically between the main roof element and the frame to define a sidewall of a cargo trailer. 